Tan Fruit 'Maresh Vineyard' Chardonnay

The Maresh Vineyard is Jim Maresh’s home turf and one of the great historic sites of the Dundee Hills. Planted high on the slope where volcanic soils, elevation, and cooling influences combine to produce wines of remarkable precision, this section of the vineyard was established in 1991 to Dijon Chardonnay clones. Under the Tan Fruit label, Jim uses this site to showcase a more powerful and complete expression of Willamette Valley Chardonnay while still preserving the site’s unmistakable sense of place.

Maresh Vineyard Chardonnay is both structured and expressive, offering tremendous depth wrapped around a core of mineral tension. It opens with aromas and flavors of steely lemon, freshly sliced green apple, flint, chalk, and savory herbs, all supported by vibrant acidity and a long, persistent finish. There is real power here, but it is delivered with elegance and restraint, calling to mind top examples of Chablis 1er Cru Montée de Tonnerre. Already compelling, this is a wine built to evolve gracefully for decades.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 95 points: "The 2022 Chardonnay Maresh Vineyard comes from a block of Dijon clone vines planted in 1991 in the Dundee Hills on a steep, south-facing slope at 675 feet of elevation. Barrel fermented and matured for 10 months in 15% new French oak, plus four months in stainless steel, it’s reminiscent of Chablis and boasts exceptionally pure aromas. It opens with flint and petrichor before blossoming to apricot, elderflower liqueur, lime peel and hazelnuts. The palate is vibrant and silky with understated layers of creamy, peachy fruit, and its linear acidity and flinty tones come together for a shimmery finish. For several days after it's opened, the Maresh Vineyard becomes more and more expressive, pointing to a long life in the cellar. Drink 2025 - 2040."